12/19/24 Connor Freeman on Israel’s Crimes in Gaza and Syria
Dec 24, 2024
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Connor Freeman, Assistant Editor of the Libertarian Institute and foreign policy analyst, joins the conversation to scrutinize the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. He highlights the staggering civilian death toll and critiques the disparity in global responses to military aggression. The discussion extends to the tragic impact on children, revealing harrowing personal accounts. Freeman also delves into Israel's military actions in Syria, examining the geopolitical implications of these maneuvers and the influence of U.S. support on regional stability.
The staggering civilian death toll in Gaza, with reports of over 45,000 fatalities, highlights the catastrophic humanitarian crisis exacerbated by military operations.
U.S. financial support for Israel's military actions plays a crucial role in the ongoing conflict, raising serious ethical concerns regarding accountability for civilian casualties.
Deep dives
Civilian Casualties in Gaza
The current situation in the Gaza Strip has resulted in a staggering number of civilian casualties, with reports indicating over 45,000 people killed, including nearly 17,500 children. The ongoing airstrikes and military operations have left the area devastated, complicating rescue efforts as many remain trapped under the rubble. The limited size of Gaza, with its substantial destruction, creates a dire humanitarian crisis, where civil defense teams are frequently unable to access areas to recover bodies. This catastrophic impact illustrates the severity of the situation amidst conflicting narratives about the conflict's conduct and the casualty figures.
Civilian to Combatant Casualty Ratios
Recent studies challenge the narrative that the Israeli military operation in Gaza minimizes civilian casualties. The Air Wars report indicates that during the first month of the conflict, the civilian to militant casualty ratio was alarmingly high, with estimates suggesting 85 to 160 civilian deaths for each militant killed. Furthermore, there is skepticism regarding Israel's claims of combatant casualties, as the figures often lack substantiation and fail to reflect the actual devastation faced by civilians. The reports clarify that the majority of deaths are among women and children, contradicting assertions of a targeted military campaign against Hamas.
The Role of U.S. Involvement
U.S. financial support has been crucial in enabling Israel's military operations, contributing to approximately 70% of the funding for the ongoing conflict. This substantial support includes advanced weaponry, intelligence, and logistical aid that facilitate the Israeli military's actions in Gaza. Criticism arises regarding the moral implications of this support, particularly as reports emerge from human rights organizations characterizing Israel’s actions as genocidal. The interconnectedness of U.S. policy and Israeli military strategy raises urgent questions about accountability and responsibility for the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Connor Freeman joined Scott on Antiwar Radio to discuss the ongoing slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza. Freeman breaks down the death toll and the ratio of civilians to combatants revealed in the newest report from the analysts at Airwars. They also talk about the dynamic in the Middle East after the fall of Assad’s government in Syria.
Connor Freeman is the Assistant Editor of the Libertarian Institute, primarily covering foreign policy. He is a co-host on Conflicts of Interest. His writing has been featured in media outlets such as Antiwar.com and Counterpunch, as well as the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity. You can follow him on Twitter @FreemansMind96